10 die with measles symptoms in 24 hours, total 113 in 22 days

Ten people have died with measles symptoms in the last 24 hours across the country, while 974 new suspected cases have been reported, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.

In the last 22 days, a total of 7,610 children have been infected with measles, and 113 have died, the health directorate said in a press release on Sunday, April 5.

Since March 15, thousands of children suspected of having measles have been admitted to various hospitals across the country. Among them, 929 have tested positive for measles. While 113 deaths have been recorded during this period, only 17 have been confirmed as measles-related deaths.

Dhaka division has been the worst affected, with 3,259 children infected, of whom 468 have tested positive for measles.

In the last 24 hours, 974 new suspected measles cases have been reported, with 10 deaths. During the same period, 654 patients have been hospitalised, of whom 42 have tested positive for measles. The highest number of confirmed cases, 38, was recorded in Dhaka division.

Rajshahi division recorded the highest number of deaths in the last 24 hours. No deaths were reported in Mymensingh, Rangpur and Sylhet divisions during this period.

Health experts say gaps in the routine immunisation programme and lack of awareness are contributing to the spread of measles. They fear the situation could worsen further if the vaccination drive is not intensified quickly.